DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUSINESS AREAS

AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased by 28 percent to SEK 761 million (593) and EBITA increased by 63 percent to SEK 91 million (56).

Market
On the whole, the market situation was beneficial for the Automation business area in the first quarter. The rate at which demand rose abated slightly, although no signs of a slowdown. There was a favourable business situation in all segments of importance for the business area, such as the process industry, mechanical industry and medical technology, and demand clearly increased for the companies operating in the defence industry. Favourable incremental margins in comparable units provided good leverage on the operating margin.

ELECTRIFICATION
Net sales in Electrification increased by 54 percent to SEK 929 million (602) and EBITA increased by 57 percent to SEK 114 million (73).

Market
The Electrification business area had a strong first quarter, with a good business situation for input components in the largest segments, such as electronics, energy, special vehicles and telecom. Demand increased in the defence industry, as well as for special battery modules where the acquisition effect was also significant.

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased by 34 percent to SEK 1,251 million (937) and EBITA increased by 34 percent to SEK 156 million (116).

Market
The business situation for the Energy business area was highly favourable in the first quarter. Sales of infrastructure products for the expansion of national and regional power grids increased from already high levels. The market situation for the units operating in sales of niche products for electricity distribution, the manufacturing industry, expansion of fiber-optic networks and building and installation was favourable, while it remained stable in wind power.

INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
Net sales in Industrial Solutions increased by 26 percent to SEK 788 million (625) and EBITA increased by 44 percent to SEK 132 million (92).

Market
On the whole, the business situation for the Industrial Solutions business area was very strong during the first quarter. For the business area's companies exposed to the forest and sawmill industry, as well as for those exposed to the waste and recycling segment, the market situation remained favourable during the quarter. For companies operating in control and ergonomics products developed in-house, as well as in hydraulic solutions for special vehicles, demand was stable, as it was for components for the mechanical industry.

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
Net sales in Process Technology increased by 24 percent to SEK 654 million (527) and EBITA increased by 13 percent to SEK 87 million (77).

Market
For the Process Technology business area as a whole, the market situation was favourable in the first quarter of the year. The business situation was particularly favourable for the companies active in medical technology and in the forest and process industries, particularly regarding the sawmill market. Demand for aftermarket and service components, as well as for projects in the energy segment, was stable, as it was in the mechanical industry and special vehicles, while it increased somewhat in the marine segment.